What is a bijouterie table?

A bijouterie table is a specialised display case featuring a glass top and glazed sides, raised on legs. It was traditionally used in drawing rooms to exhibit small personal treasures and collectibles. These tables allow viewers to inspect items from above while keeping them protected behind glass.

How do I identify Edwardian furniture?

Edwardian furniture dates from the reign of King Edward VII, spanning roughly from 1901 to 1910, though the style extends slightly either side. Pieces from this era often lighter in build than Victorian furniture, drawing heavily on eighteenth-century Sheraton and Chippendale revivals. Look for refined mahogany construction, delicate satinwood inlay, and neoclassical motifs rather than the heavy proportions of the preceding century.

Were these cases used in shops?

Many surviving display cases originated in commercial retail environments rather than domestic homes. Haberdashers, jewellers, and general merchants utilised glazed countertop cabinets and tall freestanding shopfitting cases to present goods to customers. These commercial pieces share the same fine mahogany framing as domestic cabinets but often feature adjustable shelving and mirrored backs tailored for retail display.

What does astragal glazed mean?

Astragal glazed refers to cabinet doors where the glass is held in place by a framework of narrow wooden mouldings called astragals. This creates a grid pattern that breaks up large expanses of glass. This technique is a hallmark of classical revival styles, adding architectural detail to the front of a bookcase or display cabinet.